Anti-virus for Linux-based Ubuntu?
Monday, July 11th, 2011 at
00:27
I am now using a operating system called Ubuntu (version 8.10) and I want to install a anti-virus, but I don’t know which to install, there is 3 options: DEB package, TAR GZ package, and RPM package. I want to install the one that will be best on my computer.
Tagged with: anti virus • deb package • operating system • rpm • tar gz • ubuntu
Filed under: rpm
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You will need to download the DEB package. Be aware though that an anti-virus solution is not required on Linux currently.
I use avast (deb package)
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-for-linux-edition.html
go to applications, add/remove, and type in virus scanner.
Ubuntu is a Debian-based derivative. I’d suggest you first check the Synaptic Package Manager and see if the product is listed there. If it is, it’s far easier to install it there.
Even if it isn’t there, it may be possible to add it. If the product lists it, you can add the package to your sources list (see the first link, below, for instructions).
If not, you can still install DEB packages (since Ubuntu is a Debian derivative). See the second link for instructions on doing that.
A ‘tar.gz’ file is similar to a Windows ZIP file. In fact, it’s a ‘tar’ (tape archive) file that has been ZIPped using the GZIP program. You can simply download your tar.gz file, double-click it, and Ubuntu will do the rest…
Have at it! Good luck.
You don’t need a antivirus for Ubuntu. There are currently no harmful Viruses that I know of for Ubuntu. The ones that did exist where rendered useless years ago. Ubuntu, just like Mac, is Unix based. And no one writes Viruses for Unix. Its all written for MSDOS which is what Windows uses. Why else do you think it is used on 66% of servers?
Here, this should help.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765421
One of the best things about Linux is that they are currently immune to virii. You dont need a virus scanner at all to protect yourself. That said, it is still possible for a virus to lay dormant in a file on your hard disk and although it cannot hurt you, if you were share this file with a windows user, the virus can potentially infect them. You can install Clam Anti Virus from a terminal with a single command:
sudo apt-get install clamtk
TIP: Your Ubuntu is now two generations old. you should upgrade to 9.04 then upgrade again to 9.10 or it would be faster to just backup your /home directory and do a fresh install of Ubuntu Karmic Koala 9.10. Plus with a fresh install you would benefit from the new grub2 bootloader as well as the new EXT4 filesystem by default.